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Chelmsford Town Meeting set, with 34 items

By Grant Welker, gwelker@lowellsun.com

Updated:
02/26/2013 06:34:35 AM EST

CHELMSFORD -- The list of items to be voted on at the April 29 Town Meeting has been set, with the warrant including a proposed $110.8 million budget, a moratorium through the end of the year on medical-marijuana treatment facilities, and protection of the town-owned Oak Hill property as conservation land.

Other warrant articles include setting aside a yet-unspecified amount for energy-efficiency improvements to town-owned buildings, and a decision on the Chelmsford Country Club clubhouse, which could include a preferred route of demolishing the building and replacing it with a prefabricated one that would cost about $500,000.

In other action Monday, the Board of Selectmen deemed a German shepherd on Bridge Street a danger after she bit a neighbor and, on three occasions, dogs. The dog will be required to be muzzled and restrained whenever she is outside.

If Katie gets out and is not muzzled she will be euthanized, selectmen voted Monday. The board deemed Katie dangerous, which by state law gives the town the ability to require such a dog to be restrained when outdoors, in a secure fenced- and roofed-in area, or in the worst cases, put to death.

Katie's owner, Valerie Kopacz of 42 Bridge St., said she would install a fence as soon as warmer weather thaws the ground enough to allow for it. Kopacz said she has the dog in obedience training but said she isn't as dangerous as neighbors and Erik Merrill, the town's animal control officer, say.

"I'm very responsible for my dog," she said. "She's not a vicious dog.

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Kopacz challenged the definition of a dog bitten, saying Katie "never punctured anyone as far as a bite."

Dawn Cashman, a neighbor who was bit, said the bite drew blood and hurt badly.

"She's a big dog, and when she comes at you, it's scary," she said, adding that she didn't want to see Katie euthanized.

Town Meeting warrant items could still change slightly, but the list of 34 items is set.

Town Meeting representatives will vote on the proposed fiscal 2014 budget of $110.8 million, which would rise by $2.6 million, or nearly 2.5 percent, compared to the current fiscal year. Spending would rise by only enough to maintain current levels of service, and there will be no increase in staffing on the municipal side of government, Town Manager Paul Cohen has said.

A $3.3 million capital budget includes nearly $600,000 for a new track at the McCarthy Middle School athletic field and $460,000 for a new fire engine.

Articles submitted by petition include one that would urge the Board of Selectmen to reverse its decision on granting approval for a controversial already-built office building at 9 North Road, which could require the building to be altered or demolished.

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